Slab avalanche near Big Bend exit on I-80

Location Name: 
Big Bend exit 166, between Soda Springs and Blue Canyon
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 03/26/2011 - 22:04
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 7.2936" N, 120° 32' 23.4456" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
slab,
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
4 ft
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Width: 
100ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
6 100ft.
Bed Surface: 
Storm Snow
Avalanche Length: 
250ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
2
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

 Observed multiple slab avalanches with 3-4 foot crowns on North aspects along I-80 in the region between Blue Canyon and Soda Springs, particularly near the Big Bend exit.  Slides appear to have occurred on Saturday, 26 March 2011.  Slides were D2-D3 and R3.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: